Chelsea keen to see the five substitute rule carry over to next season
According to the Times, Chelsea are leading the push to ensure the five substitute rule is still in use next season.
The Premier League has always permitted just three substitutes per game. This was increased to five as a part of Project Restart to ease the burden on the players.
As per the new rules, up to nine players could be named on the substitutes bench. However, any changes can be made on a maximum of three occasions.
The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has extended the new rule into next season, noting that the impact on player welfare is likely to continue next year as well.
Premier League clubs will hold a vote on Thursday to determine whether the proposal will be retained for the 2020-21 season in the English top-flight. At least 14 clubs will have to vote in favour of the rule for it to be implemented.
There is opposition from a number of sides who deem the rule to be unfair on teams with smaller squads. The teams against the proposal include Aston Villa, Burnley, West Ham and Sheffield United.
Meanwhile, UEFA has opted to return to three substitutes for next season’s Champions League and Europa League. The EFL is expected to do the same for all three of its divisions. (h/t Daily Mail)
Frank Lampard recently voiced his disapproval at the upcoming campaign starting as early as 12th September. He believes it does not give his players enough time to recover.
Both Christian Pulisic and Cesar Azpilicueta went off injured with hamstring injuries against Arsenal. Lampard believes the taxing schedule is what led to the injuries.
According to the report, this is one of the reasons why Chelsea are keen on the idea of keeping the five-substitutions rule.
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Squad management is set to be an important quality to have in the upcoming season. With the Europan Championships set to be held next summer, the best players are looking set for months of nonstop action.